Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Saturday’s Group 1 the $2m Coolmore Stud strakes with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps – he has included the potential for a damp track in his thoughts. Good luck!
Flemington R6 – $2million Coolmore Stud Stakes (3YO) 1200m
1. JACQUINOT (16) 1536×115
T; Mick Price & Michael Kent/ J: Damian Lane (57kg)
Superstar sprinter and this looks absolutely perfect for him. Likes to jump and find his feet which works here because there is so much early pace. He’s drawn wide so has many, many options. Can come down the outside if the track is playing better out there which it probably will be. Is in great form, was 5th in The Everest last start, and is a must for your numbers.
2. BEST OF BORDEAUX (17) 112×5213
T: Kacy Fogden / J: Ben Melham (57kg)
Very fast and very smart. Is also very fit and is coming off an open grade Gr 1 placing last start when tracking wide. Also drawn deep, will be on speed all the way and will be in this finish. Is very honest.
3. SEJARDAN (12) 1x319x7761
T: Gary Portelli /J: John Allen (57kg)
This is the interesting runner. Seems back to his best with his stakes win in Melbourne last start. Was better than these 12 months ago but has struggled a bit to replicate that dominance since turning three. Saying that, he can run on hard and that win last start may remind him just how good he is.
4. LOFTY STRIKE (5) 11×3
T: Julius Sandhu / J: Jamie Mott (57kg)
Oh, if he had had just one more run under his belt I’d be all over him. Lightly raced but is very smart. Won his first two starts, at stakes level, then spelled and resumed last start in lead-up when a gritty 3rd. Place.
5. NETTUNO (10) 111×244
T: Tony Gollan / J: Damien Oliver (57kg)
Star Queenslander who runs his heart out every race. But he may be a length or two just behind the very best in this. Was beaten 3 lengths by In secret two starts back and last start was beaten 4 lengths by Best of Bordeaux. Lots of speed here so he may not ever find the front.
6. BUENOS NOCHES (15) 1612
T: Matt Smith / J: Craig Newitt (57kg)
Interesting galloper. Is extremely smart and getting better with racing. Actually, on paper he should win this as he came from the clouds last start to fail by a nose to beat the subsequent The Everest winner Giga Kick. Keep safe as he does have a powerful finishing burst.
7. GRAND IMPACT (1) 11×1
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent /J: Mark Zahra (57kg)
watch this bloke. He has loads of speed and is improving two lengths every time he races. Has run three times and won all of them easily, latest over this trip in the mud claiming the Gr 3 Vlue Sapphire. This is another step up but he is smart.
8. ECONOMICS (14) 211
T: Annabel Neasham / J: Chad Schofield (57kg)
Another one on the march up the ranks. Won a stakes race in Sydney last start over 1100m being on pace throughout. Will get a sound work out early here and may be found wanting late.
9. MERIDIUS (6) 31×220
T: Lloyd Kennewell / J: William Buick (57kg)
Strong young sprinter who made good ground for 2nd in the 1400m Gr 3 Guineas Prelude then beaten 2 lengths in the gr 1 Caulfield Guineas over a mile. Coming back in trip is hard.
10. DOULL (4) 1×54
T: Team Freedman / J: Joe McNeil (57kg)
Has talent and speed. Is having 4th start and this grade will test.
11. GREAT BARRIER REEF (7) 4×5154
T: Chris Waller /J: Damian Thornton (57kg)
Should develop into a pretty smart racehorse down the track but this grade at this stage will test him.
12. CUSTODIAN (3) 6×143
T: Team Freedman / J: Brett Prebble (57kg)
Another light raced type with plenty of speed. If he goes hard early these fast ones will pummel him.
13. BEWS (2) 156
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent/ J: Dan Moor (57kg)
Hopelessly out graded and wouldn’t win with a head start.
14. COOLANGATTA (13) 1x11x3x31
T: Ciaran Maher & Dave Eustace / J: Craig Williams (55kg)
Superstar. She was the benchmark 2YO and has already won at Gr 1 level as a 3YO. This is as far as she likes to go but if they ride her with a little less urgency, ie, sits just off the speed, she will finish over the top of these. Is very honest and very competitive.
15. IN SECRET (9) 11×212
T: James Cummings / J: James McDonald (55kg)
They will come from the trees to back her. Straight track racing looks absolutely perfect for her. Will probably settle back in about 6th to the 400m then will peel out and make a charge. And that charge will be down the fast lane assuring her of a spot in the top three. She is very special.
16. QUEEN OF THE BALL (8) 2x1518x415
T: Michael Freedman / J: Josh Parr (55kg)
Has loads of speed and talent but so do a few of these and she may get run over late.
17. C’EST MAGIQUE (11) 126
T: Grame Begg / J: Micky Dee (55kg)
Lightly raced and not expected to bother the fastest ones in this.
